York-Hanover unemployment rate increases

The York-Hanover unemployment rate increased last month for the first time since June 2012.

York County posted a 5.3 percent unemployment rate in July — one-tenth of a percentage point higher than the previous month.

"I wouldn't read a lot into this. One month is not a trend," said Ismael Fertenbaugh, analyst for the state Department of Labor & Industry.

Before the state department announced July's numbers on Tuesday, the unemployment rate for the York-Hanover area had decreased for 17 consecutive months.

But seasonal jobs were down in July, and that contributed to the county's first unemployment rate increase in about a year and a half.

There were 300 fewer seasonal jobs in July, but it isn't clear why, Fertenbaugh said. It could be attributed to a milder, rainy July that might have impacted work at local pools, golf courses and other similar locations.

Also, weather conditions could have put the brakes on local fairs and festivals that employ local residents.

"It could be something may have started sooner than in previous years or ended sooner than it usually does," Fertenbaugh said.

Elsewhere: Whatever the case, it put York County's unemployment rate in line with the rest of the state and nation.

Both the state and U.S. unemployment rates increased one-tenth in July.

Pennsylvania's unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in July, up from 5.6 percent in June. The U.S. unemployment rate increased from 6.1 percent in June to 6.2 percent last month.

But the local rate continued to be lower than that of the state, Fertenbaugh said.

"The York-Hanover rate has been below the state's rate for 28 consecutive months," he said.

Even though the local unemployment rate is close to an even 5 percent — the number at which analysts say those looking for a job can find one — Fertenbaugh said there are still York County residents looking for work.

There were 12,000 jobless residents in York County last month, according to statistics released by the state Department of Labor & Industry. That's 4,000 less than the 16,000 without jobs in July 2013.

"Regardless of how low it gets, the unemployment rate is never great if someone is still looking for a job. We never want to overlook that," Fertenbaugh said.